1866 Constitution & By-Laws of the National Association of Base Ball Players

Rare copy of the 1866 Constitution & By-Laws of the National Association of Base Ball Players with the Rules and Regulations of the Game of Base Ball. Published by John J. Reed; New York. As noted on the cover, these by-laws and rules are "As Adopted by the National Association at their Annual Convention on December 13, 1865 for the use of Base Ball Clubs, for the Year 1866." As the gospel of baseball spread to the four corners of the country immediately following the Civil War, this constitution was issued for reference to the most serious clubs that were members of The National Association of Base Ball Players, the first ruling body of organized baseball. Included are the latest rules and by-laws, information such as listings of all clubs belonging to the association, and even statistics, including batting averages from the previous season (1865). The activities of all the important early clubs that played such an integral role in the formative days of organized baseball are documented. This volume provides an extremely valuable record of the evolution of the game, both in terms of the rules of the game and the organizational development of the sport that paved the way for the establishment of baseball as the national pastime and as a professional sport. The forty-three page book (3.75 x 5.5 inches) bears the name of a former owner, printed in black ink, on the both covers, the title page, and one interior page. Saddle-stitched with pale blue wrappers. The top of the back cover has some separation along the spine but remains firmly intact, and there are a few light creases along the cover. Overall in exceptionally fine Very Good condition. This is an extremely rare and significant historical reference work dating from a key period of great activity during the earliest days of organized baseball. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$800. SOLD FOR $1,058

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